I was very tired of winning late season games that did not mean anything that resulted in losing players that could have had a impact on the franchise-Examples being the season ending winning streak that moved the Browns from second to seventh in 2009 for the 2010 draft or this 'thrilling' win over Miami last year that was the difference in landing A.J.Green.At the same time-It was the Steelers,so I did not have love for those guys,so in the end,it was a root for the Browns,but look at the bright side of bad things type of day.
I had thought that this was exactly the type of game that Cleveland wins,so I gave them more of a chance to win than most and had Seneca Wallace provided any offense at all,they could have done just that as the game went down to the final play in a 13-9 Pittsburgh win.
Phil Dawson kicked field goals of 26,45, and 49 yards for the Browns points on the afternoon.
Cleveland returns to action in March,where hopefully a free agent or two will be added and in April in the draft where the Browns will pick fourth overall barring a trade up.
Had the Browns won this game,they would have picked seventh-who said I do not look at the positive! :)
Brownie Bits
1) Loved the Browns defense in this one.
The Steeler offense did not really do more than the Browns on the day other than on their one long drive,Pittsburgh scored the touchdown and the Browns settled for three points in what was another shocker.
In any case,although the defense still needs a playmaker or two,I am relatively pleased about the defense in 2011.
Still needs help in some areas (Corner,another DE and a fast linebacker),but not too bad....
2) Jabaal Sheard harassed Ben Rothlisberger all day and showed why he deserves defensive rookie of the year consideration,while Ahtyba Rubin did the same as the two combined for over ten tackles and each had a sack of Rothlisberger.
If the Browns are able to replace Jayme Mitchell on the opposite defensive end with a solid player,the DL is going to be tough on opponents next season.
Mitchell started the season strong,but disappeared thereafter
3) SO Seneca Wallace wants starting consideration for next season does he?
Well,he can have the opportunity in Edmonton or Calgary,if it was up to me.
Wallace's inaccurate throws and dumb decisions for a veteran makes me wonder if I want him on the Browns at all next season,let alone as contending for the starting job.
4) Wallace believes because the Browns had chances to win all three of his starts that he has proven "something".
I believe that the final three games proved something-that the defense is getting better and with an addition of offensive talent (Quarterback definitely included) that the Browns might be on the right track.
5) Peyton Hillis only ran the ball ten times (30 yards) while Seneca Wallace threw 41 passes?
So much for the play calling brilliance of Pat Shurmur.
Goodbye,Peyton,I enjoyed having you in Cleveland....
6) Phil Dawson may not return for 2012,so just case he does not,I want to take the time to thank Dawson for his professionalism with the Browns.
Dawson is the only player still with the Browns since the "return" and deserves to hook on with a contender....
7) No catches for Greg Little,but a strong game from Josh Cribbs (7 catches 91 yards).It happens that way sometimes when the top receiver is taken away.
Nice rookie season for Little and Cribbs finished the year strong and both should be important cogs next season.
8) Wish I could say the same for Mohammed Massaquoi,who dropped several passes on the day and seems to have regressed this season.
Massaquoi has never been the same player since his cheap shot hit at the hands of James Harrison last season...
9) Speaking of Harrison,quiet day for the king of helmet to helmet with just two tackles.
Could a Harrison that plays within the rules be just an average player???
10) The Jacksonville win over Indianapolis moved the Browns up a slot in the first round,but a Colt win would have been better-The Colts will likely take Andrew Luck,the second selecting Rams would have entertained offers.
The Browns decision now looks to be whether to take Robert Griffin III of Baylor to replace Colt McCoy at quarterback or tab the A.J. Green of this team in Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State in an attempt to give the team an elite level offensive weapon.
At least that is what I am hoping the decision comes down to anyway,although I would not be against trying to land Luck.
I would not complain at all,if Luck costs the Browns two first rounders this year (Theirs and Atlanta's) and the 2013 top pick-If that is the price,I do it.
11) Finally, another bad season in the books.
I was not overwhelmed by Pat Shurmur by any means,but I do think he deserves another season.
I would not utter a word,if he were fired tomorrow,but be fair and give him and Tom Heckert an off-season and a true training camp to see what he can do.
If 2012 is like 2011-then see ya' Pat...
I plan on a season recap some time soon on a slow day and I hope to be back later today with a short look at the Cavaliers win over the New Jersey Nets..
Photo Credits
Kuntz-Cleveland Plain Dealer
Sheard:Matt Sullivan-Getty Images
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